I recently toured a home listed at $30 million. The owner, a designer with a 40-year career, said this was the culmination of everything she had ever learned, $20+ million poured into the build, every inch was WOW...
It’s a bold bet. Rancho Santa Fe is one of the few places where this kind of vision might land. It's not Beverly Hills or the Hamptons, but it attracts people who value privacy, space, and security over flash.
And while most people won’t buy a $30 million estate, there were elements in that home that work in a $1 million home too.
Think Spanish modern, natural wood, stone, and stucco in balance. Clean white interiors with classic charm layered in through fixtures, lighting, and textures. A California room or pergola that makes indoor-outdoor living feel effortless.
This week, I’m sharing what design trends buyers are loving right now, and how smart sellers are making their homes feel high-end without going overboard.
Here’s what’s happening in real estate today:
3 properties to watch, 2 news updates on market trends, and 1 thought-provoking insight from me + a snapshot of current market conditions.
📊 Market Snapshot (Week of July 14)
New Listings: 771 (⬇️ 2.7% vs. last week)
New Pendings: 525 (⬆️ 23%)
New Sales: 393 (⬇️ 6%)
Actives: 7,012 (⬆️ 1.2%)
30-Year Fixed: 6.81% (⬆️ slightly)
Inventory inched up overall again, pendings surged, and sales dipped slightly. Likely a reset after the holiday.
Buyers are clearly re-engaging, but they're still price-sensitive. New listings are steady, giving buyers more to choose from without overwhelming the market.
Sellers: smart pricing and strong prep are your best leverage right now.
Fully remodeled 3-bed, 2-bath twin home in La Costa Meadows. No HOA, tons of privacy, and a backyard that lives like a boutique resort. Skylights, updated kitchen, and a coastal-casual vibe throughout. Homes like this are rare, and already drawing offers.
Turnkey 4-bed in the Bay Collection with owned solar, upgraded systems, and a layout built for modern life. Tucked into a neighborhood known for low-maintenance living and high-end convenience.
Custom Carmel Valley 6-bed perched on an elevated lot with ocean views. Pool, spa, putting green, and indoor-outdoor flow. This one’s designed for serious entertaining—and peaceful privacy.
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist revised home sales growth for 2025 down again, now just +3%, and that’s only if mortgage rates drop to 6% by year-end.
The original projection? 9%.
The reality? First-time buyers make up just 24% of the market, affordability is still tough, and unless borrowing costs ease, the recovery will be uneven.
Applications fell as rates ticked up to 6.82%. But here’s the twist, locally, we’re seeing buyers flood back in post-July 4.
Many waited out the holiday. Now? Homes that sat for 30+ days are getting multiple offers.
Purchase applications are one of the best real-time indicators of buyer demand. Unlike closed sales, which reflect decisions made 30–60 days ago, purchase apps show what’s happening now.
When apps rise, it means more buyers are actively trying to lock in loans—which usually turns into pending sales in the weeks ahead.
That’s why we watch them closely. A spike in purchase apps often signals upcoming momentum in the market.
A drop? That’s a red flag that demand may cool off. They’re like the heartbeat of the housing market: fast, responsive, and forward-looking.
Purchase Application Data LONG Term
Year-over-year growth: +22%
25 consecutive weeks of YoY growth
12 consecutive weeks of double-digit YoY growth
1 Tip or Thought
Seller Design Tip... People love to personalize their space, but here’s the deal: do it with removable pieces.
Artwork, lighting, rugs, furniture.
Not tile, built-ins, or layouts that only make sense to you.
Most people move every 13 years (or sooner).
So that bold “forever remodel”? It can crush your resale if it’s too quirky or specific. I've seen homes lose money because the finishes were too wild or the floorplan felt off.
P.S. Comic-Con hits the San Diego Convention Center July 24–27—the largest pop culture event in the U.S. Expect celebs, cosplay, collectors, and citywide buzz. Fun way to show off San Diego’s energy.
DISCLAIMER: Due to recent changes by California Association of Realtors, and the SDMLS Clear Cooperation Policy (the “Policy”), Brokers are limited in their ability to share off-market properties. It is the intent of this letter to be in compliance with the Policy. For this reason, Talechia & Associates can only share such property information with clients of Talechia & Associates. If you would like more information on our properties that are not publicized in the MLS, and becoming a client of Compass, please contact Josh (858) 585-0309 or Talechia (858) 229-2181
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.
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Josh Meltzer | Compass Real Estate
Live Coastal | North County San Diego
Get insights you can read in 5 minutes [or less] for free. 3 inspiring properties, 2 relevant news stories, 1 tip + a market snapshot.
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